Description
Cuts to the skin. Lacerations can be simple involving only the skin, or complex with injury to tendons, nerves and/or blood vessels. With tendon lacerations there is weakness in the movement of the affected limb or appendage, and with nerve damage numbness is experienced beyond the laceration.
Symptoms
Laceration, bleeding, weakness, numbness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed with special attention to nerve and tendon function. An X-ray may be done to rule out a foreign body.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed with special attention to nerve and tendon function. An X-ray may be done to rule out a foreign body.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine
Treatment
Simple lacerations may require only a bandage or, sutures may be necessary. More complex lacerations may require repair of tendons, nerves and/or arteries. A tetanus vaccination may be recommended.